Building Empathy in Children through Community Connections

Erica Frydenberg is Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow (Honorary) in psychology in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Australia. Janice Deans is Associate Director Early Childhood Education, University of Melbourne, Australia. Rachel Liang is Honorary Research Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Australia

‘If you have ever pondered what could make the world a better place, the answer just might lie within the pages of this book. Could the major human-made problems of recent decades have looked different if all children were given the opportunity to learn empathy? There is every reason to believe that preventing future social injustice, inequality, conflict, climate change and poverty requires a focus on early childhood. This book is an opportunity for educators and parents to shape a brighter future – starting with the young children in their care.’Kelly-Ann Allen, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Monash University, Australia. ‘Early childhood experiences provide vital seeds for ongoing social and emotional development in humans. This book offers a readily accessible and thoroughly researched resource for practitioners looking to foster children’s social and emotional development. The book is full of valuable information and examples for embedding social and emotional learning in early childhood classrooms.’Rebecca J. Collie, Scientia Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, UNSW Sydney.

• Section I Introductory Remarks 1. Children as active participants in their community 2. Social Emotional Curriculum Objectives in Early Childhood Education 3. The Foundation for Community Connections: Empathy and Associated Constructs 4. Artistic meaning making in Early Years Education: Children’s Voices expressed through drawing, painting and narrative Section II 5. Children Developing Empathy, Care and Concern for the Environment: Education for Sustainable Development in the Early Years 6. Children as Global Citizens: Children’s Voices expressed through drawing, painting and narrative 7. Friends on the Farm - Reciprocal Relationship building with people with Special Needs 8. Building Intergenerational Connections: The Social and Emotional Benefits of Intergenerational Programs Section III 9. The COPE-Resilience program: A guide to successful connections building activities at early childhood programs 10. Community Connections